Being Human

It's our final episode of Being Human Season 7. Jo Frost, Peter Lynas and special guest Katherine Brown (Being Human’s engagement lead) complete the mini-series with some big announcements. We get to know Katherine as she makes her Being Human podcast debut by sharing her story of becoming a Christian at drama school and how she ended up at Being Human. Revisiting the Quiet Revival, the team probes further into some of the themes, trends and motivations for faith exploration. The team use the Being Human Lens to explore how spiritual practices are becoming a popular gateway to faith as things like sabbath, fasting and digital detoxes become commonplace in our culture. Connect with us on social media instagram.com/beinghumanlens Connect with Jo instagram.com/jofrostie Connect with Peter instagram.com/peter.lynas Connect with Katherine instagram.com/katherinexbrown Read more about how spiritual practices are leading people to Jesus https://beinghumanlens.com/articles/spiritual-practices-are-leading-people-to-jesus Do your values and behaviours align? Sign up to our newsletter to stay up-to-date with Ethos beinghumanlens.com Phil Knox's Missional Trends for 2026 Missional Trends 2026 - Evangelical Alliance Find out more about the Evangelical Alliance eauk.org Show notes: 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 02:23 Get to know Katherine Brown 04:50 Continuing the conversation on the Quiet Revival 06:30 Faith exploration journeys 15:42 Is there a formula for discipleship? 16:51 Jo's next adventure at OCCA 20:07 Ethos explained 23:38 He tried fasting and found Jesus 28:18 Ethos teaser and sign up 29:42 The journey to faith through spiritual practices 31:36 Jo's final hurrah and plans for Season 8

In this episode, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas jump in to the Quiet Revival research. Unpacking the trends they are seeing emerge between men and women's approaches to faith. Men seem to take a "Jesus plus politics" approach whereas women are taking a "Jesus plus spirituality" approach. Sharing their observations from traveling and hearing stories, they chat about differences across nations and how the church can be equipped to navigate and disciple all of these newcomers. Shownotes 00:00 Welcome to Being Human: what is the 'Quiet Revival'? 02:21 Bible Society & YouGov Stats: Why the numbers surprised everyone 03:30 Other research confirms the trend (Bibles, students, Belief in Britain) 05:32 Where it’s showing up: regions, church types, and size effects 07:23 Baptisms, attendance, and ‘It’s not my church’ 09:41 Public male converts & the politics question: What’s driving it? 10:29 Fear narratives: ‘Where are the men?’ and the discipleship challenge 11:55 Men’s pathways: solo faith, podcasts, and right-leaning baggage 15:15 Women’s pathways & ‘Jesus+’: experiential spirituality vs logic 18:00 Why are women’s stories quieter? Influence, platforms, and blind spots 22:02 Discipling the newcomers: From ‘Third eye’ stories to core formation 24:34 Openness Is Rising, now the church must disciple well 25:30 Identity, community & nationalism: flipping the lens 25:55 How to respond: share your local church story 27:13 Digging deeper: why the ‘quiet revival’ is happening 28:14 Chaos, deconstruction & openness to the Christian story 29:23 From Tom Holland to Jordan Peterson: intellectual, community & spiritual pathways 30:16 Is fear driving faith? What our research found about anxiety & hope 33:28 Viral moments & messy catalysts: funerals, livestreams and unexpected seekers 35:01 Google as evangelist: why SEO, online clarity & welcome matter 36:11 So what do we do? Step into the missional moment 37:54 A real-life nudge: the devotion book that opened a Jesus conversation 39:54 Discipleship in real time: handling messy journeys and public voices 41:56 Final landing: be a non-anxious presence and nurture what the Spirit grows

In this episode of Being Human, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas take a deep dive into the controversial public figure Tommy Robinson, examining his conversion to Christianity and asking how it compares with the well-known faith journey of historian Tom Holland (Dominion). The conversation explores the growing influence of Christian nationalism in the UK, Robinson’s cultural impact, and the wider debates shaping British society today, including Islam, immigration, national identity, and free speech. Jo and Peter go on to ask some of the biggest questions facing the UK right now: Can Britain still be called a Christian nation? What cultural, political and spiritual forces are redefining that identity? How should the church respond in an age of polarisation, especially when fear often shouts louder than hope? 00:00 Introduction and welcome 00:27 Exploring fear in relationships 01:36 The tale of the two Tommys 02:03 Tom Holland's journey to Christianity 07:42 Tommy Robinson's perspective 17:45 Fear and identity politics 20:39 Christian Nationalism: definitions and debates 23:52 Tommy's provocative questions 24:45 Christianity's influence on society 25:36 The role of Christianity in modern cities 26:35 Challenges and critiques of Christian values 29:15 Fear vs. hope in Christian response 29:54 Addressing violence and fear 31:14 Christian citizenship and identity 38:06 Navigating fear and relationships 42:51 Conclusion and call to action

Jo Frost and Peter Lynas are back with the seventh season of the Being Human podcast - Fear Makes The World Go Round - focusing on the chaos of the world today and its impact on our human story. They chat about how global instability, health anxieties, and geopolitical chaos are shaping our lifestyles and invoking fear responses. Delving deeper, they explore the rise of new leadership styles and the deconstruction of international norms. It's not all doom and gloom as they conclude with the story of Daniel as an example to living with a supernatural hope in the face of turbulent times. Jo also shares her upcoming departure to the Oxford Centre for Christian Apologetics, marking this mini-series as her final contribution as a co-host. 00:00 Welcome to Season Seven 00:23 Introduction to the mini- series 02:18 Fear makes the world go round 04:26 Health and Wellness Trends 06:33 Geopolitical chaos 08:21 Raising families when the future seems bleak 11:11 The spheres of fear in our society 12:54 Hope in the midst of chaos 14:20 New leaders and deconstructed norms 20:23 A fear response 27:04 Fighting fear and finding hope 30:59 Living the countercultural Christian story 34:05 Conclusion

Join Jo Frost and Peter Lynas as they chat about all things sexuality and gender with Dr. Preston Sprinkle in the first-ever live recording of the Being Human podcast. Known for his work with the Center for Faith, Sexuality, and Gender, Preston shares his top tips and insights for navigating these conversations in Christian spaces. Highlights include the importance of speaking up, the experiences of LGBT people within the church and the differences in approach between US and UK law. Prepare to be welcomed and challenged compassionately. Want to explore more about what the Bible says about sex, sexuality and gender? Check out our video series Relationships Matter: Course - Evangelical Alliance Follow our socials for more conversations https://linktr.ee/beinghumanlens Follow Preston https://linktr.ee/Prestonsprinkle Chapters 00:00 Welcome and introduction 00:44 First live recording experience 01:28 Reflections on discussion 05:00 Getting to know Preston Sprinkle 06:36 Preston's academic and personal motivations 08:02 Future of sexuality and gender conversations 16:22 Understanding different perspectives 21:02 LGBT stories in the church 23:39 ‘Silence is not an option’ 24:21 Navigating church conversations on sexuality and gender 25:39 How to speak up as a church leader 28:06 Gender conversation shifts in the UK and US 34:51 Theological anthropology and transgenderism 36:47 Balancing public engagement and pastoral care 41:37 Final reflections and prayer requests

In the season six finale, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas explore the major cultural shifts shaping our view of the future. From Bryan Johnson’s anti-aging pursuits to Elon Musk’s space ambitions, they unpack what these stories reveal about our hopes and fears. The episode also delves into AI’s growing influence on politics and society. Jo and Peter contrast these secular visions with the Christian narrative - one rooted in hope and purpose. They close with practical tips - using simplicity and Sabbath rest as ways to stay spiritually grounded in an increasingly fast-paced and uncertain world. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Thoughts 00:18 Welcome and Podcast Overview 01:23 Exploring Hope, Progress, and the Future 03:02 The Myth of Progress and Cultural Shifts 07:33 Health, Longevity, and Technological Advances 12:34 AI and the Future of Humanity 15:13 Transhumanism and Technological Utopias 19:52 Cultural Reflections and Influences 29:35 Christian Perspective on Hope and Eschatology 33:34 The Importance of Eschatology 34:46 Misconceptions About Heaven and Earth 35:46 Living in the Now: Balancing Faith and Life 38:33 The Practice of Sabbath 40:47 Simplicity and Submission in Discipleship Related links: 'My ultimate goal? Don't die' - Bryan Johnson article in The Guardian, 14 September 2023 Elon Musk’s Space X Mars & Beyond : https://www.spacex.com/humanspaceflight/mars/ More on TESCREAL https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TESCREAL Netflix’s Black Mirror Justin Brierley in conversation with Anthony Bradley: Why men are returning to church. Emily Maitlis interviews Charlie Brooker: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SV1iF9wMS0g

In this week’s episode, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas explore the urgent issue of the 'discipleship deficit' amidst the growing number of young people coming to faith. They discuss the challenges of discipling in a complex world with its constant changes in cultural values and societal shifts. The conversation delves into the need for new methods of discipleship to bridge the cultural disconnect and align with the gospel's teachings. The discussion highlights the importance of community and worship while suggesting Biblical practices like digital abstinence to navigate this transformative time. They pull on threads from the gospels and early church practices and provide insights for today’s church to better support this exciting rise in spiritual interest. 00:00 Introduction: The Missional Moment 00:30 Welcome to Being Human 01:53 Exploring the Discipleship Deficit 04:03 Cultural Shifts and Their Impact 07:22 The Role of Community in Faith 11:19 Discipleship in a Complex World 18:33 Jesus' Encounters and Lessons 25:22 Practical Steps for Discipleship 33:03 Conclusion

In this episode of Being Human, hosts Jo Frost and Peter Lynas discuss the increasing interest in Christianity among Gen Z and young men, exploring the profound cultural and spiritual shifts underlying this trend. They highlight the rising curiosity in faith, supported by empirical data and real-life stories. Delving into the intellectual journeys sparked by public figures like Jordan Peterson and Russell Brand they look at how these influences shape individuals' exploration of Christianity. They also examine how these cultural shifts align with biblical narratives, emphasising the importance of witnessing and interceding. The episode concludes with practical advice for anchoring spiritual growth in daily practices and fostering a supportive community for new believers. 00:00 Introduction: The Growing Interest in Faith 00:38 Exploring the Cultural Shifts 01:31 The Quiet Revival: Is It Real? 02:41 Focus on Young Men and Gen Z 05:35 Public Figures and Faith 09:21 Generational Trends in Faith 14:27 The Role of Intellectuals and Public Discourse 19:14 Biblical Stories and Their Relevance 28:41 Witnessing and Intercession 35:24 Conclusion Links to items discussed The Rest Is History Podcast Joe Rogan interviews Wesley Huff, January 7, 2025: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HwyAX69xG1Q The Times, Gen Z survey January 25, 2025 Bible Society report, ‘The Quiet Revival’ April 2025: https://www.biblesociety.org.uk/research/quiet-revival Dominion – Tom Holland. Giles Coren article in The Times, This Lent I will turn atheism into ashes The Best of Friends – Phil Knox

Join Jo and Peter in a new episode of Being Human as they reflect on the concept of the 'vibe shift' and its far-reaching effects on today’s cultural and social dynamics. They explore real-life examples from changes in corporate culture and political realignments to the evolving ways people express their faith in public. Through their discussion, they emphasise the importance of grounding oneself in scripture and liturgy to navigate these shifting cultural landscapes, offering a stable foundation in Jesus. Tune in for an engaging exploration of how to live truly and fully human in today's ever-changing world. 00:00 Introduction: Cultural shifts 00:30 Welcome to Being Human 01:20 Exploring the Vibe Shift 03:21 Cultural Examples of the Vibe Shift 14:23 Faith and the Vibe Shift 26:15 Practices for Navigating in Changing Times Links mentioned Santiago Pliego: pliego.substack.com/p/vibe-shift Alison P. Davis New York Magazine article: A Vibe Shift Is Coming. Will any of us survive it? www.thecut.com/a-vibe-shift-is-coming

Jo and Peter return to unpack freedom, chatting through insights on the topics of free speech, social justice and asking if it's okay to stop others from exercising their freedom to protect your own. Explore the dynamic exchange between Jo Frost and Peter Lynas as they delve into cultural conversations and biblical practices to explore what freedom, faith, and being truly, fully human looks like today in our latest podcast episode! Tune in for an engaging discussion that resonates with current debates and timeless truths. 00:00 Introduction: Absolute freedom is a myth 00:33: JD Vance and free speech 01:35: What is freedom? 02:12: Freedom and Individualism 06:58: Are our freedoms under threat? 07:03: Coercion and Assisted Suicide 10:57: Freedom in the Digital Age 13:42: Biblical Perspective on Freedom 25:41: Christian Practices for Freedom

In the first episode of the Being Human podcast season six, Jo Frost and Peter Lynas dive into the widespread feeling of chaos in today's world, exploring its implications on personal, cultural, and societal levels. Chatting through the different cultural stories, from politics to technology that contribute to this sense of chaotic madness, they pull on the threads of the God story to help us make sense of what’s happening and ask how practices such as fasting, hospitality, and worship can bring order and peace. Time stamps 00:00 Introduction: It’s a mad, mad world 00:47 Exploring Cultural Stories 01:55 Understanding Chaosity 04:08 Global and Technological Chaos 10:48 Personal and Community Chaos 13:24 Biblical Perspective on Chaos 25:54 Christian Practices for Order 36:10 Conclusion and Call to Action

In the final episode of the season, hosts Jo Frost and Peter Lynas discuss the intricate relationship between health, wellness, and what it means to be truly, fully human. Exploring the cultural stories that shape our view of health and wellness, they delve into topics such as nutrition, sleep, body image, and mental well-being. As with all episodes in this season, Jo and Peter use the Being Human lens to analyse these aspects through the aspects of presence, significance, participation, and connection. They highlight the cultural contradictions surrounding health and wellness and emphasise the importance of community, hospitality, and generosity for a holistic and healthier life. Practical applications like fasting, simplicity, and hospitality are recommended to cultivate wholeness and better health. 00:00 Season Finale Announcement 01:13 Today we’re chatting health and wellness 02:23 Recap on the Being Human lens 04:07 The importance of sleep 07:50 Health span vs. Life span 09:17 Holistic health and wellness 12:57 What does the God story tell us about healthy bodies? 19:18 Health inequality and the challenge of dignity and respect 23:33 Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit 24:26 Participation and the sedentary lifestyle 26:27 Health data and health tracking 29:22 The influence of social media on health 31:27 Connection through food and relationships 34:45 Health as a justice issue 37:33 Practices for health and wellness 43:51 That’s a wrap!

In this episode Jo and Peter welcome their friend and head of public policy, Alicia to the conversation. This time ethnicity is placed the centre of the lens and through significance, connection, presence and participation, they track some of the major cultural shifts in this vital and global conversation. From the murder of George Floyd in the US to the case of Child Q in the UK, they lament over the prevalence of injustice, while looking to the God Story for a more hopeful narrative. Alongside personal stories the conversation touches on how Christians might seek wisdom when it comes to language and ideas like intersectionality. And admits a culture that so often only wants to deconstruct, they look to the opportunity for hospitality, relationship and rebuilding in Jesus’ name to bridge divides. They ask what can the story found in scripture tell us about difference, identity and community when it comes to thinking about ethnicity? Part one (00:00) 00:07 Welcome and introductions with Alicia. 01:43 Framing today’s topic: ethnicity and identity. 06:17 Looking at language: race, ethnicity and nationality. 12:18 Putting ethnicity in the centre of the lens. 13:18 Significance and the murder of George Floyd. 18:19 Why we might struggle to recognise our own sin and prejudice. 21:12 The God story: liberation, redeeming identity and the story of Hagar. Part two (26:17) 26:20 Connection, Christian global community and building peace. 30:01 Friendship and combatting the fear of misspeaking. 33:11 Biblical mandate: being sanctification and made holy. 36:11 Presence: Child Q as a moment of reckoning. 41:28 Deconstruction, intersectionality and rebuilding in Jesus's name. 45:35 The good shepherd. 48:05 Participation: migration and the mandate of hospitality. 52:55 Practicing gratitude. 54:12 Practicing study and intercession.

In this episode of Being Human, Jo and Peter are joined by their twenty-five-year-old team member Emma to discuss the generational shift in perspectives on work, rest, and play. From Baby Boomers to Gen Z, they explore how different age groups approach work-life balance, purpose, and identity. Diving into the world of intergenerational workplace dynamics, the impact of digital culture, hobbies, mental health and the quest for a meaningful rest vs work ethic, they draw on the wisdom of the God Story to seek a better narrative. The episode wraps up with three practical spiritual habits – rest, solitude and communion - for navigating these challenges. Part one (00:00) 00:40 Meet Emma: behind the scenes to on the mic. 01:10 Today’s topic: generational perspectives on work, rest, and play. 02:39 Gen-z, millennials, Gen-x and boomers: understanding the generational categories. 05:06 The Being Human lens: a way to explore the cultural stories. 07:06 Participation: what does each generation look for in work? 14:31 Play and rest: hobby and volunteering culture across generations. 16:40 The God Story: purpose and gifting. Part two (19:58) 20:00 Significance: does your identity come from your work? 25:52 Anxious generations: shifts in work perception and uncertainty. 29:05 Work, identity, and rest: a biblical perspective. 33:30 Connection: gen-z in the digital age and conflict in relationships. 38:50 Presence and place: flexibility and the future of work. 45:15 A better story with three spiritual practices: rest, solitude and communion. 49:22 Finishing up: do get in touch!

We are taking a short break in the season, but while you wait for the next episode why not join us for our webinar series? Join us for three 60-minute online webinars on June 11, 18 and 25 with Jo and Peter as they explore Being Human as a new apologetic for the 21st century and unpack its resources for your church. These interactive webinars will cover a range of topics: from the cultural stories of our day, to the narrative of the God story, as well as research on the different kinds of attitudes you might find in your church, and how we can be reaching out more to one another. We would love to see you there. Find out more here: https://beinghumanlens.com/being-human-webinars-june-2024

In this episode Jo and Peter use the apologetics tool - the Being Humans Lens - to chat all-things artificial intelligence (AI). They ask: does AI know us better than we know ourselves? Can AI really become a source for our relationships? And how might we draw on the wisdom of the God Story when it comes to navigating the future of tech? Through exploring significance, connection, participation and presence the conversation covers AI’s benefits and challenges, from ChatGPT and self-driving cars to ethical dilemmas and the potential for deep fakes. They also consider the environmental impact of AI and the questions around ethical frameworks to guide its development. Ultimately, we dive back to the better story found in the pages of scripture for a hopeful perspective on integrity, empathy and wisdom in this digital age. Part one (00:00) 01:06 Welcome back and introducing today’s topic: AI 03:03 Putting AI at the focal point of the Being Human Lens. 05:01 Significance: AI bias, data and ethics. 12:45 The God story: Genesis and wisdom. Part two (17:03) 17:06 AI and connection: how do we build an ethnical framework? 25:36 Loneliness: is AI really a source for relationship? 27:31 Biblical empathy and ethics: relational beings in a digital world. 29:27 Real vs fake: presence and digital deconstruction. 35:38 The environmental cost of AI. 38:10 A better story: stewarding God’s creation, pursing truth and encounter. 40:51 Participation and creativity: does AI really know us better than we know ourselves? 44:50 ‘Hypersuasion’: AI's influence on our choices. 49:08 Wisdom and integrity in the age of AI. 51:12 Three spiritual habits: digital abstinence, worship and examen.

In this episode climate change is at the focal point of the Being Human lens. Jo and Peter chat through presence, significance, connection and participation as they tackle one of the biggest issues facing humanity today. How might we shift some of culture’s most dominant climate conversation from blame and hopelessness, to care and stewardship? From micro stories of London’s ultra-low emission zone to larger macro-stories of rising sea levels and climate refugees, they consider the importance of human equality, and issues of local and global justice. All the while bringing the conversation back to the better story found in the pages of scripture – how do biblical themes like sabbath, jubilee and stewarding land help reframe these debates? As followers of Jesus, how might we think about some of the disagreements surrounding tackling climate change and consider the role of both personal and collective responsibility. Part one (00:00) 00:59 Welcome to back and a reminder that we would love to hear from you. 01:33 Climate Change: opening up the conversation and uncovering the why behind taking care of the planet. 05:13 Looking at UK: local and national climate issues and policy. 09:42 The Being Human Lens and putting climate change at the focal point. 11:13 Presence: being here now matters. Looking at some of the macro stories on climate change. 16:12 Acknowledging a historical misreading of the bible and reframing the whole earth as God’s temple. Part two (19:02) 19:04 Significance and equality of human life when thinking about climate and creation. 23:03 Sabbath, Jubilee and the promised land: exploring the biblical story. 27:19 Who is our neighbour? Exploring connection, justice and peace. 31:53 Greta Thunberg and the future generations. 34:02 A more hopeful story: being in relationship with the giver of the land. 36:39 Participation – individual vs collective responsibility? 44:39 Personal practical practices towards environmental stewardship – study, simplicity and fasting. 45:18 Collective practices: practicing advocacy and communion.

This episode explores the limits and boundaries of human life, particularly when it comes to abortion and euthanasia. Jo and Peter use the Being Human lens as a tool to help us think faithfully and compassionately about the start and end of life, recognising these are hugely contested areas in public debate. They take a look at the law surrounding abortion and euthanasia as well as stories from around the world on where these debates are bubbling up across the media. The conversation touches on justice and autonomy from women, dignity in suffering, and the deeply personal dilemmas individuals face. They bring us back the story of God and his people, taking note of the role of the early church in caring for babies and the promise of hope woven throughout scripture. The episode lands on how we might navigate these conversations well in our own lives and sharing a better story through practices of hospitality, different forms of prayer and gratitude. Part one (00:00) 01:24 Diving into the debate: are there limits on life? Both entry to life and exiting from life are two of the most contested areas in public debate. 02:46 Stories of abortion and euthanasia in UK media and policy. 06:03 The Being Human Lens: a tool for this discussion. 07:49 Understanding statistics and the law around abortion in the UK. 12:37 Significance and abortion: considering a woman’s autonomy over her own body and the life of a baby. 14:05 Moving to euthanasia – why is it such a hot topic at the moment? 16:00 Dignity and death: having compassion for those suffering and the promise of hope in the Christian story. Part two (21:59) 22:00 Connection: How does the start and end of life affect our relationships with each other, with God and with our world? 24:38 Is abortion the pinnacle of the justice for women or is it perpetuating further injustices in new forms? 28:06 Navigating the euthanasia debate in Canada 32:58 The early church: revisiting ancient values and practices of our forefathers. 35:20 Presence and the recognising the cost of caring for our loved ones. 41:03 Participation and the story of Sarah and Paul Williams. Does purpose necessitate being human? 47:21 Practising and inhabiting a better story: hospitality, gratitude, intercession and examen prayer. Interested in taking this conversation further? Take a look at some resources and organisations mentioned in the episode: Both Lives Matter Home for good Safer families Perfectly Human: Nine Months with Cerian (Shaming the Strong) by Sarah Williams

If every human being is made in the image of God, but we are each rooted into a particular place and culture, how might we as Christians better engage in conversations on migration, asylum and refugees? In this episode Jo and Peter discuss this global issue and why it should matter to us all. From political slogans and dramatic headlines, the conversation starts by peeling back some of misconceptions and complexity of this issue; investigating who’s coming into UK and for what reasons. Jo and Peter then once again use the Being Human lens to help offer a fresh perspective asking how might significance, connection, presence and participation impact our understanding of human dignity, interculturalism, borders and citizenship? How can we see the pages of Scripture as one large story of migration, displacement and finding home? Part one (00:00) 01:11 Welcome back and introducing the big issue for episode four: the complex world of migration, asylum, and refugees. 02:03 Announcement: Peter and Jo are hosting a mini-series of webinars! Chatting all-things Being Human from the Lens, to our cultural landscape to understanding who is in our churches and how we might reach them. Look out for more information coming soon. 03:05 Small boats, international students and economic migrants: getting the lay of the land on who actually is arriving into the UK each year. 09:09 Coming back to the Being Human Lens: why is migration and asylum important to the conversation about being human today? 12:10 Starting with significance – how does dignity, identity, and equality affect a perspective on migration? 16:42 From the Old to New Testament: seeing the bible as one large a story of migration. And how might that challenge our perspective. Part two (20:17) 20:20 People don’t migrate in isolation: recognising the importance of families, dependants and connection. 24:07 The complexities of local connections and global compassion. Are we equally connected to everyone in the world? Is our responsibility to family, community, nation or the globe? 26:46 Lessons from Beyonce's latest album and exploring how might we think about borders. 30:20 We are particular people in particular places – respecting both the culture we might be from and the one we are visiting or inhabiting. 37:38 Pushing back on the unhelpful soundbites and toxic language surrounding this issue, what might it mean to participate positively in this conversation? 41:23 Coming back to the story of God as one that centres on displaced people – how might be understand inclusion and welcome of the foreigner, but also the call to be distinct? 44:43 Gratitude, study, and you guessed it...hospitality. Three habits for we might inhabit this better story for engaging with migration, refugee and asylum. Read Luke Bretherton's article on Immigration and the moral status of borders here.

In episode three, Jo and Peter tackle one of the most contested topics in our culture today – the trans debate. They explore the complex questions surrounding sex, gender and being embodied humans. With the transgender and feminism conversations often feeling charged and toxic, it can be difficult to know how to engage when this issue can affect us personally and divide opinion so quickly. So, this episode provides a hopeful look at what it means to be human when it comes to such a contested issue. Engaging with topics like the Barbie movie, gender and sport, controversies surrounding those in the public eye – like JK Rowling or Dylan Mulvaney – and the treatment of transgender children, this episode looks at where we find the gender debate bubbling up across culture today. Jo and Peter, using the Being Human lens, keep bringing it back to God Story; how it speaks to feminism, equality, human dignity and understanding the importance of our bodies. This conversation reminds us of importance of thinking through our theology and recognising the significance and dignity of one another, particularly when we might disagree. Show notes 00:00 Welcome back to Being Human and catching up on Peter’s chocolate and sugar sacrifices in preparation for a mountain marathon 02:20 ‘I am kenough’: exploring the cultural phenomenon of last year’s Barbie movie and questions it posed about what it means to be a woman and a man. 05:14 From JK Rowling to Dylan Mulvaney, introducing one the most contested issues of today: male, female, sex and gender identities. 11:46 Looking through the Being Human lens and kicking off with significance: who matters, and do we matter when it comes to our bodies? Navigating the often-emotive topic of trans rights and human rights. 20:03 Recognising the significance and dignity of one another, particularly when we disagree. 23:41Feminism meets Christianity: in the book of Genesis, are women really just “an afterthought”? Part two (26:25) 26:25 Finding common ground: when different sides of the trans debate seek to cancel, push out and disown one another, is there a possibility of reconciliation when it comes to our connections to one another? 40:05 Presence and reflecting on the Cass Review: a key moment for the conversation on transgender care for children. 44:03 Recognising bad theology and reclaiming good theology when it comes to thinking through our bodies and our spirits. 46:45 How might we attempt to participate in the gender identity conversation when it so fraught with emotion, sensitivity and difference? 53:00 Theological study, fasting and hospitality: three practices for navigating cultural conversations and reorientating us back to God.

What is the impact of social media on mental health, especially kids and young people? Jo and Peter share from their own experiences as parents attempting to navigate how to wisely use and limit social media in their own lives and the lives of their kids. Being Human 502 is taking a deep dive on the online space and explores the impact it’s having on particularly the minds of young people. Although social media can be a force for good, the way in which our tech competes for our attention is something we all can relate to. Jo and Peter open up the conversation with the tragic story of teenager Molly Russell and shed light on the dark side of the online world. From self-image and filters to the power of algorithms, they explore the rise of anxiety, depression and loneliness which has been reportedly linked to social media use. What role can both parents and individuals play in navigating these challenges for our kids, friends and ourselves? And as we look at these issues through the Being Human lens, what does the God Story have to offer us in the face of these challenges? How can we use the apologetic tool of the Being Human lens to help shape a better story for our mental health and online lives? This episode rounds-off with personal tips and habits for healthy and balanced engagement with social media. Part one (00:00) 02:17 Welcome back and teeing up the question that Jo and Peter get asked the most – what is the impact of social media on the mental health of our young people? And what do we do about it? 03:40 The Molly Russell Case: a wake-up call and an opportunity to open up the conversation. 05:46 Putting today’s conversation in the focal point of the Being Human Lens and asking is there a better story when it comes to our engagement with social media and understanding mental health? 07:16 Exploring significance and identity in the digital age. What impact does an all-loving, all-knowing God have into a social media swirl that perpetuates self-doubt and insecurity? Part two (18:08) 18:12 From dating apps to algorithms to Ted Lasso - looking at connection and social media’s impact our relationships with one another. 23:54 ‘I can buy myself flowers’: exploring the cross over between the drive for self-love and experience of loneliness in modern connections. 27:52 With filters, deep-fake and AI how might we navigate the blurred lines between online and real life? 38:22 Finding balance: strategies for healthy engagement with social media. Adopting small habits that lead to significant change over time. 49:45 Finishing up – championing mental health support and community engagement. Keen to develop your own habits of healthy social media use? Read 5 Ways to Cut Back on Social Media from PCMag.

Welcome back to season five! Jo Frost and Peter Lynas return, exploring what it means to be human in 2024. In this first episode, Jo and Peter are chatting all things elections, democracy and nationalism. With four billion people headed to the polls this year, how does the God story affect our engagement with politics? From Taiwan and India to the Trump vs Biden rematch and our own issues on domestic soil, this is shaping up to be a big year. This season we’re going to be using the Being Human Lens, which focuses on four core aspects of humanity: significance, connection, presence, and participation, as a framework to help think through these big issues. Amongst divisive issues like abortion and Israel-Palestine, the concerning rise of Christian nationalism and the votes of young people in the UK – is it possible for our connections, place, and participation to play a positive role in our lives and politics? We’re asking how we as followers of Jesus can model a better story when it comes to disagreeing well and being others-orientated, as well as exploring some everyday spiritual habits to help us follow the way of Jesus as we engage with our democracy. Part 1 (00:00) 00:00 Welcome to season five: exploring what it means to be human in 2024! 01:41 This season, we are taking the big issues of our day and looking through the Being Human Lens to understand how we form and shape our humanity. 03:24 With four billion people heading to the polls this year, lets deep dive on elections, democracy, and nationalism. From Taiwan and India to the Trump vs Biden rematch and our home soil: the elections we can anticipate this year. 09:53 Refresher: what is the Being Human Lens? How might we use it to understand our world? 12:26 Israel-Palestine, US polarisation and exploring significance in divisive political landscapes. How might an identity in Christ affect our engagement in politics? Part 2 (20:37) 20:54 Connection in democracy: building coalitions and community amidst a society that emphasises the needs of the individual above others. 28:58 Nationalism and migration – is it possible for place and presence to play a positive role in our lives and politics? 36:36 As Christians, how might we creatively and compassionately participate in democracy beyond just voting? 42:30 Intercessory prayer, digital abstinence, and hospitality: everyday spiritual habits to help us grow into the likeness of Jesus as we engage with politics.

We have reached the end of season four! After a season of listening and learning from a variety of people, ideas and experiences, Jo and Peter sit down together and pull out some of the threads and themes woven throughout this season. This season spanned a wide range of topical subjects, from young people and mental health to class and heritage, to identity and power, revealing a resounding common theme of crisis. Our world and sometimes our own faith feels fragile and fractured. So, in this episode Jo and Peter take three of the major cultural stories – secularism, expressive individualism and postmodernism, and ask: ‘what do we mean by each, why are these stories here, and why are they creating crisis?’. Ultimately, the hope-filled news is that these cultural stories exist within a wider and deeper one. A good, true and beautiful story of what it means to be human, that we are invited into to bring about cultural renewal. Although season four has come to a close, you can dig even deeper by reading Jo and Peter’s book and staying up to date with the latest content on our website. Part one (00:00) 02:29 – The wrap up episode: reflecting on what we’ve heard and noticing commonalities within the themes of the cultural stories throughout the podcast season. 06:00 – Why are we feeling as though we are living in crisis? Increasingly people are reevaluating the story they are living, but what if there is another story that doesn’t inhabit crisis? 08:27 – Exploring story one: Secularism. Why aren’t we as secular as we pretend to be and the lack of coherency this story offers. Part two (15:30) 15:43 – Exploring story two: Expressive individualism — what do we mean by this, why is it here and why is it creating crisis? 19:00 – Some of the challenges of expressive individualism, and why receiving an identity from God and belonging to Him is so important in light of this story. 21:10 – Exploring story three: Postmodernism. Understanding the goodness that can be found in this story – from calling out power abuse to tearing down injustice. However, there are challenges to this story that leave us fumbling, searching for truth 29:30 – Our cultural stories run within the larger, wider one that God shares with us. As kingdom-carriers, we are to be a light to the surrounding world, to partner with Him to bring about cultural renewal.

Are we becoming more anxious as a society? And how can following Jesus build resilience in the face of increasing mental fragility? In our final interview of the season, Jo and Peter are joined by Will van der Hart. Anglican priest, author, coach and pastoral specialist, he brings a breadth and depth of knowledge to conversations surrounding faith and mental health. Having suffered from PTSD and an acute anxiety breakdown following his involvement in the London 2005 bombings recovery, Will is now a leading voice on equipping leaders to look after their emotional health. This interview covers a lot of ground, spanning from deep theology to psychology to cultural commentary, as well as practical advice on building resilience. Ultimately, Will shares that belonging to Jesus can help us in the way we view our psychological health and our ability to battle shame. If you would like to explore more of the themes of this episode, do check out Christian mental health charity Mind and Soul Foundation, where Will is a director. Will’s book, talks and further resources can all be found there. Part one (00:00) 00:35 – Two very different stories to get to know Will: an all-inclusive holiday gone wrong, and the impact the 2005 London bombings had on his mental health. 05:14 – Will's own experience of complex PTSD and anxiety led to a ministry integrating and advocating for faith and mental health. But in wider society, are we becoming more anxious or are we just talking about anxiety more? 13:00 – As Christians, do we recognise that we are truly forgiven and free? What is ‘disassociated guilt’ and why is it ‘the culture war of old’? 19:00 – “If it's not a paradox, then it's probably not God”. Learning to hold the mind, spirit and body together in unity, even if that causes tension. Part two (21:10) 21:20 – The power of ‘unbelonging’: much of today's cultural stories surrounding ‘the self’ are rooted in a deep desire for belonging and fear of shame. 27:00 – Why belonging to Jesus can benefit our psychological health. 29:00 – Unpicking the challenges that Christian leaders are facing and dismantling the ‘catastrophe of leadership narrative’. 35:30 – To build resilience against a culture of shame, we must share grace often and seek a soft heart in the centre of the church. 40:00 – Where to go next – Will’s books and further resources, as well as an important reminder for prioritising recreation.

We take a break from the interviews for this one-off special episode marking the release of our co-hosts Jo and Peter’s book: Being Human: A new lens for our cultural conversations. Who am I? Does my life matter? What will make me happy? From our politics to churches, from media to the marketplace, from everyday mundane moments to the conversations held on this podcast, we all ask life’s big questions about what it means to be human. So, Jo and Peter dive into this fundamental question, their new book and the wider Being Human project. If you have enjoyed this season so far and are interested in taking the conversation further, visit beinghumanlens.com to order your copy of Being Human, check out our small group video series and find out how to stay up to date with future resources. Part one (00:00) 01:50 – Recapping the season’s standout moments so far and introducing today’s episode – a book launch! 05:32 – What drew Jo to the cultural conversation about being human? When Jesus didn’t seem like good news – recognising the growing disconnect between evangelism and the questions the world is asking today. 08:45 – What drew Peter to the cultural conversation about being human? Jesus stood in the meeting place of the God story and cultural stories. But as disciples today, whether it’s on social media or at the school gate, do we really feel equipped to do the same? Part two (13:45) 13:40 – The ‘what’ behind the Being Human project: the journey from an idea to Jo and Peter’s book and wider initiative. 18:32 – The Jenga tower and oak tree – why drawing on everyday analogies is so helpful in understanding the cultural climate we find ourselves in. 23:00 – Introducing the book and a new lens – a new way to engage with our cultural conversations, using four key aspects of humanity: significance, connection, presence, and participation. 31:15 – To bridge the discipleship gap, we must live out the biblical vision for humanity in everyday habits and practices. 33:00 – Beyond the book: opportunities to take the Being Human project further, with the small group series, personas workshop, and much more to look out for in the future.

Is the tide turning on a belief in God? Are we witnessing a wave of curiosity towards the Christian story? In this episode, Jo and Peter sit down with the renowned author and former host of the Unbelievable? podcast, Justin Brierley, to delve into his latest book, The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God. Join our co-hosts as they explore the journey Justin undertakes in his book, where he uncovers the unexpected resurgence of belief in God in an age supposedly characterised by scepticism and secularism. He considers what might it look like for the world to be ‘re-enchanted’ by the God story in new and imaginative ways, and the thought-provoking questions his book raises about the intersection of science, reason, and spirituality in our modern world. For more conversations like this one, Justin also co-hosts the Re-Enchanting podcast. To listen to this and order your copy of his latest book, head to: justinbrierley.com Part one (00:00) 01:54 – Are we looking at the birth of a new cultural tide where people are ready to hear the Christian story once again? Introducing Justin’s new book: The surprising rebirth of belief of God. 05:43 – The rise and fall of the mid-2000s ‘new atheism movement’ – why many people are no longer satisfied with atheism. 10:50 – “When people stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing; they believe in anything…” Atheism opened a void that was filled by numerous other stories on life, meaning and purpose, that took people in all kinds of directions. Part two (13:21) 13:36 – Since the Enlightenment, there has been a ‘disenchanting’ of the world – what does this mean? What problems does it pose? And does the Christian story have anything to offer? 18:47 – What story are you living for today? And other questions that might shift how we share the story of God in today’s culture. 22:45 – Christians have often sold the God story short, but what might it look like to re-enchant a world that is looking for meaning, belief and imagination? 27:27 – With a rise in cynicism towards the church, it’s important to recognise our own flaws while not becoming disenchanted with our own story. 31:15 – From Tom Holland to Jordan Peterson, how can we be careful about how we engage with so called ‘secular prophets’?

Many parts of the church are sick because so often it does not follow its Lord. How do we come to terms with abuse and misuse of power within the body of Christ? In this episode, Jo and Peter are joined by Dr Diane Langberg for a timely conversation on power, balancing justice and forgiveness, and honouring the stories of the oppressed. Dr Langberg is globally recognised for her 52 years of clinical work with trauma victims from war-survivors to church leaders. She has trained caregivers on six continents in responding to trauma and to the abuse of power, and now she is invited to speak and train all over the world. Her newest book, Redeeming Power: Understanding Authority and Abuse in the Church, brings her decades of experience into light. To discover more about Dr Langberg’s work and read her latest books, head to dianelangberg.com As followers of Jesus, we all have a responsibility to bring darkness into the light. If you are affected by anything in this episode and wish to seek further help, we do recommend checking out the resources of Christian safeguarding charity thirtyone:eight. Part one (00:00) 00:45 – From meeting with Vietnam war veterans to hearing women’s stories of sexual abuse – Dr Langberg’s journey to investigating the church as a place of abuse. 5:40 – As someone who has been the listening ear to stories of suffering for decades, what has kept you on the path with Jesus? 6:39 – If power is part of being made in the image of God, why does the church have such a complicated relationship with it? What can good and holy power look like? 12:35 – Beginning to dismantle a system-protection mindset: holding leaders in respect, without making them untouchable. Part two (15:16) 15:29 – How we engage with a seemingly growing and fruitful church, while remembering that what is happening on the surface doesn’t always indicate a good and pure heart. 20:40 – How do we navigate the church as a place of justice for the abused, but also a place of forgiveness and grace? We can look to the cross where the cost of forgiveness was truly shown. 24:55 — Humility and restoration doesn’t necessarily mean a return to positions of authority and power. How can leaders steward power well? 29:00 – Looking towards the life of Jesus and His relationship with the temple – keeping our faith in Jesus strong while dealing with stories of church abuse in the right way. 32:00 – For anyone listening today who has suffered in the church, some words of comfort, hope, and resilience from Dr Langberg.

Being a disciple of Jesus is not about becoming like the people around us, it’s about becoming more like Him – so why are most western churches predominantly middle class? Having grown up in relative poverty in a deprived seaside town, Natalie Williams’ life was changed when she became a Christian at age 15. Now she is the chief executive of Jubilee+, a national Christian charity that seeks to equip Christians and churches to alleviate poverty and injustice in their communities. Natalie joins Jo and Peter in this episode for a conversation on class, culture and learning to celebrate difference and diversity. As the co-author of several books, including Invisible Divides which explores some of the barriers to belonging in the church, Natalie is passionate about recognising the image of God in everyone, and how the church can practically become a place of overflowing mercy. To hear more about Natalie, discover her books and the work of Jubilee+, head to their website. Part one (00:00) 00:56 – Introducing Natalie: from the teenager who wasn’t looking for faith, to the woman who now champions the power of Jesus to change the world through His church. 04:04 – Understanding class barriers and belonging: are we to conform to the image of a middle-class Christian? Or to the image of Jesus? 07:34 – Learning to reconcile class differences with a God who doesn’t want us to move away from our cultures and contexts, nor ignore our differences. 11:36 – Trying to unpick values that reflect God vs values that reflect culture, learning first from the Bible and then one another. Part two (17:34) 17:34 – Class, gender, singleness – how can we better understand multiple and intersecting barriers to belonging? 21:00 – Becoming thick-skinned yet soft-hearted – learning to recognise the plank in our own eye and host spaces where people feel they are welcome. 29:50 – Practically, how do we maintain communities of difference?

As Western culture becomes more and more secular, are we increasingly ‘living in exile’ as Christians? If so, how can we better understand our identity, our home, and one another? We welcome Damilola Makinde to the Being Human podcast. Her background spans law, public policy, preaching, and worship leading. Damilola is originally from London but having grown up within a Nigerian diaspora in Ireland, her experience of tri-cultural heritage has contributed to the powerful and prophetic voice she holds today. In this episode, she draws on her own story of ‘living in exile’ but finding home in the presence of God. Join us as we discuss how our culture impacts our understanding of who God is and our relationship with Him, the challenge of discipleship in more secular environments, and Damilola’s hope to see revival and renewal in our day. Damilola is a member of the Being Human team, you can find more about her at beinghumanlens.com Part one (00:00) 03:40 – Growing up in a Nigerian diaspora; being deeply formed and shaped by a country, yet not living in it. 06:50 – Finding similarities between Damilola’s tri-cultural heritage and the experience of Christians in the West. What does ‘living in exile’ look like? 11:00 – Home is the ability to recognise the presence of God wherever you are. So, although living in exile can be painful, we can find hope in its promise of home. Part two (16:38) 16:45 – Understanding secularism as a climate that diminishes our view of God. 18:45 – Before we can understand who we are, we need to understand God as ‘other’ and holy. But what do we do when we find ourselves in environments that over- or under-emphasise the otherness of God? 24:55 – The challenge of discipleship within a secular context is to be responsive to the culture around us but remain reflective of the gospel. Part three (28:50) 28:56 – Revival is when people respond to Jesus on His own terms – are we seeing signs of this today and if so, how should we respond? 33:30 – The cultural stories of today are bringing us to our knees, and yet this is exactly where we need to be to see revival and receive a fresh revelation of who God is. 38:01 – Damilola’s hope and prayer for anyone listening today – that as we are transformed, we too become agents of God’s transformation for the world.

To be human is to search after a home. For Rachel Gardner, this is found in community. As well as an author, speaker, and activist, Rachel is the youth resourcing lead at an intergenerational church plant in Blackburn. With a background in youth work, Rachel is passionate about young people finding their voice – and redeeming relationships. In this episode, Jo, Peter and Rachel focus on the ‘connection’ aspect of being human. They ask: how have things changed for young people? What impact has the online world had on ideas around love and safety? And what opportunities can the church look out for to redeem young people’s understanding of Jesus? Deep connection has always required self-sacrifice, but in today’s culture love is expressed as a self-first love. However, one of Christianity’s most captivating offers to humanity is a genuine offer of belonging: that all of us can be one family in Christ. Interested in finding out more about Rachel? Follow her on Twitter @RachelGardnerRA or read one of her latest books The Sex Thing and The Girl De-Construction Project. Part one (00:00) 00:49 – Meet Rachel: stories of finding home in community and finding family through adoption. 04:17 – How has the nature of connection to one another changed? Each generation is extraordinarily bold and innovative in finding connection. Today we see this innovation through the ideas of expressive individualism and a new heroic narrative. 08:30 – Instagram and the online world prevent young people from being able to work out who they are in the fullness of a kind and up-close community. 11:00 – A poor understanding of safety, combined with a poor understanding of connection, is a toxic combination, particularly for young women and girls. Part two (14:15) 14:20 – The compelling nature of a narrative of “God loves you” is so warmly appreciated, but the closer that love comes, the more suspicious many people become. What are the challenges of communicating the gospel today? 19:09 – The remedy to these challenges – finding the stories of sacrificial love in our culture today. 21:00 – If we are part of communities that are discipled as much by secularism as by Christianity, how do we begin a conversation about redeeming the idea of desire? 24:30 – God’s invitation – told throughout the God story – is for us to come close and be known. When we are drawn to God’s holiness, we learn that He can cope with our desires and fears. 28:30 – As parents, church members and leaders, we must be incarnate communities in order to welcome and embrace young people.

The Bible is a fuller and richer story than we might tend to think. Within it, all other stories find their place. But is it possible to truly make sense of the world with a biblical perspective? Introducing professor and author of Biblical Critical Theory, Chris Watkin. As a scholar in the relationship between the Bible and philosophy, his groundbreaking book seeks to place biblical ideas alongside the cultural theories of our day. Chris joined the podcast for a conversation on the power of stories, philosophy and disrupting culture’s disagreements. He chatted with Jo and Peter as they explored some of the ideas of Biblical Critical Theory, a book that the late Tim Keller had “eagerly anticipated for years”. Interested in reading Biblical Critical Theory or more of Chris’ work? Head to thinkingthroughthebible.com Part one (00:00) 02:20 – How do ideas become viable, visible and valuable to us? Introducing critical theory and the way it shapes the stories we tell and our view of the world. 06:23 – Discovering the kinship between Christians and philosophers. Whether we agree or disagree, it's important to make space to ask the big questions of today. 09:23 – The God story isn’t just one story added alongside the many others trying to explain our world. Rather, it is the story within which all other stories exist. 11:08 – How do we make sense of the world with a biblical perspective – do we need a lens or a map? Part two (15:09) 15:55 – How does the Bible disrupt our culture’s comfortable dichotomies? When there is a tendency to pit human dignity against human humility, the Bible balances them in harmony. 21:57 – Is it possible to tell the story of sin in a way that makes sense in cultural conversations? 26:35 – The Christian story ‘out-cynics’ the cynic and ‘out-hopes’ the optimist. Part three (30:54) 31:05 – The implications of new creation and revelation. What are we being redeemed for? 34:01 – Putting this into practice: what difference can biblical critical theory have in our daily lives?

When much of contemporary Christianity is suffering an identity crisis, how do we engage well with cultural conversations? As followers of Jesus, we need to return to Christianity’s rich DNA and uncover the ‘why’ behind the vision for our lives and the lives of others. We are welcoming author, professor and long-term activist Karen Swallow Prior back to the Being Human podcast! A renowned social commentator, Karen’s dedication to bridging the gaps between faith, culture and literature has left an incredible mark. With a nuanced and compassionate voice, her writing has appeared in Christianity Today, The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Gospel Coalition, to mention a few. Join Jo and Peter in this interview as they dive into the themes of Karen’s most recent book – The Evangelical Imagination: How Stories, Images, and Metaphors Created a Culture in Crisis – and chat activism, imagination and finding Jesus in some of life’s greatest challenges. To discover more about Karen Swallow Prior and order your copy of The Evangelical Imagination, head to: karenswallowprior.com Part one (00:00) 02:25 – Introducing Karen’s inspiration for The Evangelical Imagination: when much of evangelical culture is more Victorian than biblical, how do we faithfully distinguish cultural values from biblical ones? 04:41 – In recent years ‘evangelical’ has become a controversial and contested term – what does it actually mean to be one? 07:48 – Why activism is in the DNA of evangelicalism. 10:44 – What is our ‘social imaginary’? Engaging with cultural conversations and uncovering the ‘why’ behind our actions and vision for our lives. Part two (13:50) 14:18 –What do we do when cultural and biblical values are entangled? How do healthily examine and separate them? 19:36 – The ‘before and after’ storyline: exploring the cross-over in contemporary Christianity between the language of conversion and the language of self-help. 23:48 – What can metaphors teach us about spiritual realities and the character of God? Learning from Karen’s experience of being hit by a bus and the stories of abused women in the church. 28:15 – Being human is a ‘sign act’ – something that points to another, greater thing and prepares us for eternity. Therefore, as we look to Jesus who redeems all things, pain doesn’t have to be the end to somebody’s story.

How can we recognise and fall in love with the big, underlying narratives of the God Story? How do we learn to study the Bible on its own terms? Co-founder of the BibleProject pastor, scholar and ‘life-long learner’ - Tim Mackie, is credited as one of the best Bible teachers in North America. As a multiple PhD-holder in theology, Hebrew Bible and Jewish studies, Tim first encountered Jesus in a skatepark in the middle of Portland, Oregon. Now he works with his team at the BibleProject; creating resources to help make the God Story accessible to so many. Join Jo and Peter in our first interview episode of this season. In this fascinating conversation Tim shares how he gave his life to Jesus and how unravelling some of the big picture stories that we see woven throughout scripture can transform our view of who we are and who we have been created to be. You can learn more about Tim Mackie and the BibleProject, including a rich library of videos, podcasts and more by visiting bibleproject.com. 00:00 (Part 1) 01:00 – Discovering a compelling and unavoidable Jesus: Tim’s journey from skateboarder and sceptic to Bible scholar and teacher. 12:14 – How do you take big ideas and boil them down to their essence? Introducing the BibleProject - connecting beautiful, visual explanations with the core ideas of scripture. 15:06 (Part 2) 15:25 - Learning to study the Bible the way it was originally constructed - as a unified story – and how the opening chapters of Genesis are like the opening minute of a symphony (where all the key ideas are introduced in the beginning). 21:38 - Transcendence, goodness, and images - some of the key melodies of the symphony introduced in Genesis 1 and 2. 24:51 - Our identity as image bearers isn’t often explicitly written about in the Bible, and yet is everywhere. Why is that and how – as readers - can we recognise the biblical hints? 27:34 - The Eden story paints Adam and Eve as our representative characters – capable of seeing what is good and helping goodness flourish, but sadly those moments are fleeting and fragile. 30:50 (Part 3) 31:01 – Jesus arrives on the scene as the first real human – a new Adam and Eve. How does the climax of the God Story retell the story of Eden and Israel, and what does this mean for us today? 35:46 – When different Christian traditions vary in theology, how do we reconcile the fact that we might get it wrong? Can we choose pathways of humility and life-long learning to hear scripture on its own terms? 38:56 - The Lord’s Prayer: the invitation to encounter the Imago Dei and Missio Dei as two sides of the same coin.

We know that the stories we live in can affect us and our world, but how? And how can we see clearly what’s good and what’s not in terms of who we are and how we live? Let us introduce you to the Being Human lens – a new tool to help us recognise the cultural stories of our day and help build confidence in how the God story enables us to live truly fully human lives. We all have lenses (figuratively speaking!). We all view the world, and one another, through something. The best kind of lenses help us to bring new things into focus and to recognise things previously obscured. The Being Human lens bring an innovative focus to the stories of who we are and how we live by identifying four core themes that bubble up throughout our cultural conversations. These are: significance, connection, presence and participation. As we dig into these four aspects, we can start to see how the richness of the God story enables us to truly discover what it is to be human and respond to Jesus’ invitation into a new humanity. Listen along to the conversation today. Interested in taking the lens further? Jo and Peter’s new book Being Human: A new lens for our cultural conversations, is out 12 October 2023. To find out more and pre-order your copy today, click here. Part one (00:00) 03:02 – Welcome to the Being Human lens – a new tool to help see how stories affect who we are and how we live in terms of our significance, connection, presence and participation. 07:20 – We look to Jesus as the ultimate, truly fully human being, who invites us to find our humanity in and through Him. 08:50 – Significance – We matter, but who can we trust to tell us that we matter, and why? Do we earn significance, give ourselves significance, or receive it from God? Part two (12:30) 12:35 – The secular stories of uncertainty, contestability and fragility, in which believers are tempted to doubt and doubters are tempted to believe. Who know us in an age of unknowing? 16:32 – Connection – We matter to each other. How can AI help us consider our connection and relationship towards each other? How is Jesus both the model and means for transforming relationships? Part three (20:50) 20:55 Presence – Being here, now, matters. Despite the tendency to deconstruct and doubt, to be human is to be present, in a time, a place and a body. 26:52 Participation – The difference we make matters. Amidst ongoing permacrisis, how can we partner with an active God to bring light to the darkness and order to the chaos? 33:10 The invitation is to take notice of the storylines we are encountering, to recognise how they are shaping our humanity and consider the good, true and beautiful vision of being human found in the God story.

The Being Human podcast is back! Jo Frost and Peter Lynas return with another season full of insights, humour, cultural commentary and biblical truth. Episode one recaps what's been happening since we last sat in front of a microphone... We live in a fast-paced, rapidly changing and increasingly exhausting culture. We are still being bombarded with stories and narratives every day telling us what’s real or fake, what’s gone wrong and who’s calling it out, where there’s injustice and who’s going to fix it. That much hasn’t changed. Nor has the importance of the fundamental yet highly contested question – what does it mean to be human? But plenty is new – so let’s catch up! Part one (00:00) 00:51 What does it mean to be human? Recapping on the question and story that is everywhere. 02:23 The permacrisis melting pot: war and disinformation, political and economic turmoil, AI and the confusion of language. Part two (11:37) 11:42 Why do our cultural stories – both big and small – feel so complex, fragile and fragmented? 12:56 The Jenga tower of secularism, expressive individualism and post-modernism. 20:34 Our cultural stories hold glimmers of goodness, but without a shared foundation, they tell a flawed story of humanity. Part three (22:22) 22:22 How do we begin re-housing some of these stories back into the good, true and beautiful God-story? 26:50 Upcoming podcast guests, the Being Human lens and everything else you can expect from this new season.

This pandemic has compounded the acceleration of change, disorientation, and in many ways, hopelessness. However, is there something rooted in our history that can give us hope for the possibility of change in the present day? With a diverse and impressive career, historian, Sarah Williams, continues to grapple with the very heart of what it means to be human. As a teacher of the history of Christianity to international postgraduates at Regent College, Sarah’s research interests lie more recently in the relationship between Christianity and perceptions of gender, sexuality and the spirituality of time. In this interview, hear Sarah share powerfully from her own story, as well as drawing on her work that are seeks to empower the church through history, language and prayer, that we may learn to wonderfully articulate the beautiful gospel to a culture that is suspicious of it.

In a time of fragility around us and within us, from the climate to our identity, how can we live a life with Christ that is both holistic and justice-focused? In this episode, Jo and Peter chatted with theologian, former church leader, and director of the One People Commission, Rev Dr Israel Olofinjana. Originally from Nigeria, Rev Israel moved to the UK to pursue a calling to be a reverse missionary and has since become a leading figure in the UK church on unity and ethnic diversity. In this interview, hear him draw powerfully from his own story and journey with cultural identity, as well as his current position on climate justice, mental health and creating intercultural safe spaces to tackle racial injustice. How can we effectively care for each other and our planet as a unified church? Listen to this essential and timely interview today. Want to discover more about Rev Israel, and the work of the Evangelical Alliance’s One People Commission? Visit the website today.

“Apologetics today is more about explaining to the church what is going on in the world than explaining to the world what the church teaches.” This is a view held by author, theologian and ecclesiastical historian Carl Trueman. In his latest book The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self (2020), he investigates the foundations and developments of the current secular age and sexual revolution as symptoms, rather than the causes, of the human search for identity. In this latest interview, Peter and Jo peel back some of the underlying ideologies of the day, and ask Carl how the church can navigate the opportunities and challenges of this ‘cultural climate change’ in which we are immersed. Interested in reading The Rise and Triumph of the Modern Self? Purchase it from SPCK here.

Do we fully appreciate the power of art and creativity in reconciliation processes? When considering conflict, both global and local, how can understanding the imago dei (image of God) influence advocacy? Peter and Jo chatted with artist and activist Hannah Thomas. Hannah was selected for Forbes 30 under 30 in 2019, and nominated for a UN Women UK Award in 2020, and her art projects have been exhibited in Buckingham Palace, the Scottish Parliament and the Saatchi Gallery. Through portrait painting and participant-led workshops, she seeks to bring the stories of those who have faced displacement and conflict-related sexual violence into places of influence in the Global North. Particularly amid an ongoing pandemic, how can we learn from Hannah’s experiences in post-conflict settings and seek to engage in our own communities in need of restoration? Listen along to the conversation today. You can also discover more about Hannah’s work, including examples of her art projects, on her website here.

In a culture that idolises desire, but lacks real intimacy, can we tell a better story? And is this possible when some mainstream theology has perpetuated unhelpful conceptions of desire, and its potential for knowing God? Originally from Sydney, Australia, David Bennett is an author, communicator, and scholar currently completing a doctorate in theology at Oxford university. His first book, A War of Loves (2018) describes his own story from atheistic gay activism to becoming a follower of Jesus. David chatted with Peter and Jo about the opportunity for our theology and conversations around faith, sexuality, and desire to be transformed for good. As someone who is passionate about the potential for people to live and flourish through Jesus’ teaching, listen to David uncover his thinking around the most fundamental part of what makes us human. Want to learn more about David Bennett and his work? Visit his website at https://www.dacbennett.com/

In an age characterised by information overload and difference of belief, it can be challenging to learn how to engage well in discourses swirling round in our headlines, Twitter feeds and churches. As followers of Jesus, our engagement can start with learning how to read well and listen attentively. Nobody understands this better than reader, writer and academic Karen Swallow Prior. As a professor of English and Christianity at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in North Carolina, she draws on her love of literature to transform our understanding of culture, the Bible and each other. With a history of activism within the pro-life movement, and more recent campaigns in the Southern Baptist Convention surrounding gender-based violence and anti-racism, her nuanced and compassionate voice speaks volumes into debates concerning the value of human life. Join Peter and Jo in our first episode of this interview season as they cover a range of topics with a commentator who defies the boxes that society tries to place her in.

How we think our story is going to end has massive implications on the lives we live today. Is the outcome certain or left contingent on the rises and falls of social opinions and actions? On the right and left we face stories of utopia and dystopia with no clear vision of a bright and beautiful destination. But advertisers are keenly aware that there is power in our telos stories to shape our behaviours, and we want to shape our work on the proper vision of the end. Join Peter and Jo as we wrap up season two’s march through the God story. We turn our attention to judgment and paradise, to the New Jerusalem and garden city, and to resurrected life with our King Jesus in the here and now and what’s still to come. Introduction (00:00) 00:15 We’ve reached the end of season 2! Stay tuned to beinghumanproject.co.uk 01:24 We close our journey through the God story by looking at where this is all heading and how the story ends. 04:00 The advertising industry has built itself on the notion that if you change the story, you can change lives and behaviours. Stories shape us whether we realise it or not. Act I (09:03) 09:13 Our culture tells telos stories that shape our lives based on how things will end. The most common scientific story ends in annihilation and destruction. 11:44 Yet the common progressive story ends in utopia and has led many to trust in social reform and education to get us there. 13:01 On both the right and left of the political spectrum, we’re presented with variations of utopia and dystopia at the end or telos of our story. Neither offers great hope or surety. Act II (14:56) 15:06 We’re all looking for an arrival at home at the end of the story, and the God story offers us the certainty that cultural stories can’t offer. 17:33 Despite some version of Christian end stories that leave us with doubts about the future, the overwhelming trajectory of the Bible points toward victory and beauty. 20:47 Our trajectory toward the New Creation in the Kingdom of God gives us vision and purpose for our work here and now. Act III (25:31) 25:41 The book of Revelation paints a vivid and dynamic picture of our eternity in the presence of God with resurrected bodies in a renewed creation. 27:37 The end of the story also includes judgment on those who chose the love of self above all else and separate themselves from the beauty of life with God. Conclusion (29:42) 29:52 We find great hope in the crescendo of the biblical story into the beauty of the King and His Kingdom. 31:52 We have work to do to get our narrative right, because the story we believe shapes our lives today. Stay with us as the Being Human project develops, as we keep pressing in.

The pandemic has challenged how all of us think about community. Our assumptions have been exposed. We find ourselves rethinking what it means to be a human in community. The church has a long tradition of prophets and reformers who have challenged and deconstructed for the sake of rebuilding on a firm foundation. While not all deconstruction is constructive, some Christian leaders are using this moment to realign our church practices with our God-given mandate and mission. So what is the church when we gather? What about when we scatter? Join the conversation with Jo and Peter for another episode of Being Human. Introduction (0:00) 00:15 Follow us on Twitter or check out our website beinghumanproject.co.uk 02:44 This we’re looking at community and the church. The pandemic has shaped and exposed so much about how we think about our interconnection. 08:50 The church is designed to be a model community for the world, but the pandemic has challenged even the church’s approach to community Act I (11:10) 11:20 The biblical prophets, church reformers, and other thinkers have given us a long tradition of deconstructing to rethinking how 13:40 Sometimes deconstructions are simply attempting to tear down without rebuilding on a Biblical foundation. 17:34 The pandemic has given us an opportunity to rethink how the church forms community and has been an incredible challenge for pastors and church leaders. Act II (19:39) 19:49 The gathering has always been an important component of the church and how we form and disciple Christians. 23:26 Some churches are renewing an interest in our communal confessions of shared truths. 27:27 What is encouraging about the way many churches are approaching the pandemic is that it shows they are thinking about God’s design afresh. Act III (28:56) 29:06 The scattered church is essential to the mission Jesus gave the early church and has been carried on until now. 31:50 Our worship is not simply about what happens when we gather to serve God but includes our work that serves our neighbor. Conclusion (35:44) 35:54 The church, in all its brokenness and pain, is the hope for the future. Because it’s in the church, the body of Christ, where we can meet Jesus.

It’s in the backdrop of darkness that the light shines brightest. When God’s people felt abandoned in exile, the gospel changed everything. The marginalised were brought in and the powerful were humbled. The pinnacle of the God story is all about the beautiful paradox that sacrifice is the mechanism of hope. Our fears and doubts are no longer barriers to God, but become the occasion our Saviour draws us near. If you’re feeling at all like Peter and Jo, you’re ready for some good news in the midst of a long and exhausting lockdown. Tune in for this week’s episode of Being Human as we turn our attention to some good news: King Jesus brings us hope. Introduction (0:00) 00:15 Follow us on Twitter or check out our website beinghumanproject.co.uk 03:05 This week we talk about the good news of King Jesus! Act I (07:15) 07:25 Abandonment has been a major theme in politics recently as groups have backlashed out of feeling marginalised. 09:52 The gospel comes in the God story right after exile. When the people of Israel were the most tempted to feel abandoned, good news breaks in. 13:23 Subversion is this notion all around us that seeks to deconstruct and radically reinterpret norms and traditions. 14:48 Yet the gospel has its own version of topsy-turvy, as the Kingdom of God uplifts the downtrodden and tears down the high places. Act II (17:42) 17:52 Sacrifice is another word we hear in our current moment of global pandemic. 19:30 The pinnacle of the God story is that sacrifice is the mechanism of hope. 21:14 Doubt has become more than a skepticism of having the right answer into questioning whether an answer might even exist. 24:26 Jesus’s response to Thomas reminds us that doubt does not mean the end of faith, but is the very opportunity to believe. Act III (27:25) 27:35 The Gospel means good news, but we lose something core to the gospel when we don’t share it because we don’t believe it’s beautiful. 33:23 Christians are invited back in to the mysterious and the supernatural. And we are meant to experience this together.

The world is changing. It can feel like it’s changing so fast that it’s hard to keep up. Things we once thought were true or good or right are now either up for questioning or seen as downright wrong. Our culture has changed so much that it can feel like we’re living in exile even in our homeland. Our culture today tells a story of individual expression, where being human is fundamentally about living out of our internal identity, working out what’s true for ourselves and pursuing our 'best self'. If anyone tries to change me or tell me I’m wrong, they are harming me. In our rapidly changing world, Christians can find it increasingly hard to stand firm in our convictions, facing pressure to change our actions and attitudes to conform. It's tempting to totally isolate ourselves from the world around us. But the God story reminds us that living in exile is not about isolation but about mission. Together, by the power of the Holy Spirit, Christian exiles make public claims about the kingdom of God. Join Peter and Jo as we discuss what exile teaches us about being human. Introduction (0:00) 00:15 Follow us on Twitter or check out our website: beinghumanproject.co.uk 02:33 This week we’re looking at the theme of exile and what it’s like to be cast out. Act I (3:38) 04:48 People who identify with sexually marginalised communities often reference language about being trapped in the wrong body or a repressive system. 09:02 Our culture’s story says that to be human is to live out and express our inner thoughts and feelings with complete authenticity. 12:18 So we come to believe that institutions shouldn’t shape us, and that trying to change behaviour is an issue of personal safety and harm. Act II (17:04) 17:14 When culture changes so fast around us, we can sometimes feel like exiles in a re-education programme, just like Daniel in Babylon. 20:28 Not even Daniel, a prophet of God, tried to resist the cultural forces around him alone, but he resisted with his friends and engaged his captors relationally. 23:13 Daniel is a precursor to Jesus, and both of them relied on the Holy Spirit’s power as they bore witness to the kingdom of God as a public reality. Act III (25:14) 25:24 How do we live when we find ourselves in exile in our own culture? We have to know the God story deep in our bones and learn to read the story around us. 27:39 We’ve learned how not to engage culture: fight, flight, and fold. Instead, we can pursue faithfulness, fruitfulness, and flourishing 31:41 Exile isn’t an obstacle to mission, it is the basis for mission. Like Daniel and Jesus, we publicly bear witness in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Are all of our disagreements about justice in the world simply power struggles? Our global and neighborhood communities seem to constantly clash over imbalances and injustices. It seems as if we are watching a stage play where different actors constantly switch the roles of victim and oppressor. The standard of true justice in the God story is not contingent upon the shifting sands of power struggles. Rather, we see that real justice is rooted in morality and defined by the character of God. In the Bible we see the improbable mingling of justice and mercy in the person and cross of Jesus Christ. Join Peter and Jo in this week’s episode of Being Human, as we seek to understand an often-contested word. Introduction (0:00) 00:15 Follow us on Twitter or check out our website http://beinghumanproject.co.uk 02:08 People in a society have to trust that there is a fair place to resolve disagreements, and yet we clash over our definitions of justice. Act I (3:40) 03:50 Our conversations about justice today are inescapably shaped by Karl Marx’s understanding of power as a limited resource. 06:36 Perceived power imbalances of many different kinds drive our political involvement and clashes over justice. 08:56 The role of victim identity becomes a key strategy in our social power maneuvers and twists our capacity to realize true justice. Act II (12:07) 12:18 Though our culture cannot seem to agree on a standard, the Bible always roots justice in morality. 14:30 The God story tells us that justice is defined by the character of God. 17:26 The two Biblical concepts of justice are beautifully joined in the person and work of Jesus Christ. 19:46 According to God’s design people must not treated differently according to class. But God incredibly moves beyond the reductionst vision of power justice to mercy and grace. Act III (23:06) 23:18 Biblical justice invites us into lives of radical sharing and generosity. 25:16 Every human bears God’s image and deserves equal justice and human rights. 27:16 The God story links invests us with responsibility, both corporate and individual.

What does it mean to live in relationship? Culture today governs our relationships through the ideas of choice, consent and contracts. As individuals, we relate to ours on our own terms and break relationships when they fail to meet our needs. We see these stories bubble up in marriages, international commitments and through the latest hashtag #cancelculture. The God story invites us into covenant relationship with God and his people. The books of Joshua and Judges present a robust alternative to cancel culture and consumerist choice in managing our lives together. Join the conversation as Jo and Peter explore another facet of what it means to be human in light of the God story. Introduction (0:00) 00:15 Follow us on Twitter or check out our website http://beinghumanproject.co.uk 02:34 The post-modernity story tells us human freedom and autonomy from restrictions and oppression. 08:08 In all this deconstruction, have we lost something central to what it means to be human? Act I (09:06) 09:17 The notion of marriage as commitment is losing traction in our culture. 13:39 Our consumer culture is driving our approach to relationships as choice. 15:53 Terminating relationships has become popularised as “cancel culture.” Act II (19:17) 19:28 The books of Judges tell us how God’s people learned to live in community. 21:10 The Bible describes relationship with God and one another as “covenant.” 24:08 The idea of covenant offers an alternative to choice, contracts, and cancel culture. Act III (26:23) 26:34 What it means to be humans in relationship is hotly contested in our day. 28:46 Followers of Jesus have an opportunity to live with integrity in our relationships.

The COVID-19 pandemic has restricted so many of our personal liberties and limited our daily choices. Does that mean we are no longer free? Join hosts Peter and Jo in this week’s episode of Being Human as we look at a foundational God story of what it means to have freedom. The great novelists always seem to worry human beings risk losing their freedom, but they don’t always agree what that will look like. Recent conversations about social media has have suggested we worry so much about losing our privacy, we don’t even notice when we lose our freedom. God set his His people free in a costly display of power. Yet, this freedom came with responsibilities. Join us as we discuss what it really means to be free in 2020, even in times when we can’t do everything we’d like. Introduction (0:00) 00:20 Welcome back! Thank you for listening and check out our website. 02:22 The pandemic has once again raised the question: What is freedom? Act I (03:43) 03:53 Novelists George Orwell and Aldous Huxley had different fears about the future. 07:01 We think the big issue of today is our privacy, but it’s really our freedom. Act II (15:46) 15:57 True freedom isn’t about choice, but about being who you were meant to be. 16:56 God’s freedom and liberation is a foundational story for the people of God. 20:39 The 10 Commandments transform freedoms into responsibilities. Act III (30:53) 31:03 When we don’t know what it means to be human, we are vulnerable to being enslaved. 34:02 The practice of examen is one way we can cultivate freedom. 35:10 We worship our way out of bondage and into freedom.

Being human in a networked world - Part 2 Are conspiracy stories the real pandemic of 2020? Stories like QAnon have spread with just as much vigor and speed as the novel coronavirus. What parables can Christians hear in recent events? Mark Sayers, author, thinker, speaker, podcaster, and pastor from Melbourne, Australia, joins Jo and Peter for a two-part conversation around what it means to be human in the global network of connections we find ourselves in today. Listen now to part two of our bonus episode. Act I (00:00) 01:38 Why is QAnon gaining a global following when it is based on US politics? 08:12 In our age of information overload, we crave prophets and interpreters. 13:58 We are learning more about the power of community in the spread of ideas. Act II (17:01) 17:12 The global church has an opportunity to offer better communities and stories. 24:15 Crisis elevates and exposes our insecurities and questions. Act III (25:58) 26:08 How can Christians make sure this crisis moment isn’t wasted? 31:23 Let the British church be the British church, without copying others. 35:47 Churches are learning to “play chess without their Queen” and adapt strategies.

Being human in a networked world - Part 1 The COVID-19 virus has shown us all just how connected our world has become. Just like a tiny virus can spread across the globe, our connected societies have shown us that stories can travel with just as much speed and impact. Mark Sayers, author, thinker, speaker, podcaster, and pastor from Melbourne, Australia, joins Jo and Peter for a two-part conversation around what it means to be human in the global network of connections we find ourselves in today. Listen now to the first of two bonus episodes – part two out next week. Act I (00:00) 00:20 Meet our guest, Mark Sayers. 02:45 The rate of change is accelerating with the internet and connectedness. 06:10 Globalisation is decentralising and fragmenting power, with surprising results. Act II (10:05) 10:17 Stories are clashing more than ever in our connected world. 12:50 We are also becoming more suspicious and critical of our stories. 15:24 Cultural and personal narratives are much more fluid in our complex world. 20:00 We have a unique opportunity to live out a story in real-life community.